Living Desert mourns loss of 17-year-old giraffe, Pona, who died unexpectedly

Living Desert Zoo commissary staff go through the process of preparing meals for the animals.
Christopher Weddle, The Desert Sun

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Zookeeper Diane Brabec explains giraffe behavior as Pona munches on treats Saturday at The Living Desert in Palm Desert.
Zookeeper Diane Brabec gives the public an orientation about giraffes as Pona (right) munches on treats during World Giraffe Day at The Living Desert in Palm Desert on Saturday morning, June 21, 2014. Photo by Gerry Maceda, Special to The Desert Sun(Photo: The Desert Sun file photo)Buy Photo

Pona, one of The Living Desert's beloved male giraffes, has unexpectedly died, zoo officials announced on Facebook Friday afternoon.

The 17-year-old giraffe died overnight. A necropsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, though it could be months before all tests and evaluations are finalized and the exact cause of death may never be known for sure, officials said.

“We cannot find the words to express our sadness about Pona’s unexpected passing. He was a beloved member of our herd and was known for his gregarious personality. Our animal care team, staff, volunteers and guests will certainly miss Pona and his loss will be felt throughout the zoo,” said Allen Monroe, president/CEO of The Living Desert.

“Pona was the first animal I met at The Living Desert, and he will forever hold a special place in my heart,” Monroe added.

Born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park on Sept. 22, 2000, Pona came to The Living Desert about two years later. He was the zoo’s tallest giraffe, standing 18 feet, and weighed just over 2,000 pounds.

“Pona was an amazing ambassador for his species and an adored member of our zoo family,” said RoxAnna Breitigan, director of animal programs. “We are honored to have had the opportunity to care for him and we know the public will join us in mourning this tragic loss.”

The Living Desert, in Palm Desert, is home to a herd of seven giraffes. Currently listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as vulnerable, giraffe populations have declined up to 40 percent over the last 30 years.

Today, there are fewer than 98,000 giraffe in the wild. Native to southern and eastern Africa, major threats to the giraffe population is habitat loss and fragmentation, civil unrest and ecological changes, zoo officials said.

Desert Sun reporter Sherry Barkas covers the cities of La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert. She can be reached at sherry.barkas@thedesertsun.com or (760) 778-4694. Follow her on Twitter @TDSsherry